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A Very Merry Alaskan Solstice

12/21/2015

14 Comments

 
Christmastime in Alaska is special. Even though we may be grumbling about the mere inches of snow we have on the ground this year, we usually don’t face the problem of “It just doesn’t feel like Christmas; it’s too warm and green!” This morning we awoke to trees frosted over, reaching icy fingers high into the pale blue sky. The air is clean and refreshing, as always, and the sun peaks through the distant clouds on the horizon for only an hour or two some days, illuminating the sparkles that coat nature.
Evening sun reflecting off ice crystals in a snowy yard
I truly love this time of year. The older I get, the less I need the festivities and traditions and glitz, and the more I relish the family time and the chance to quietly reflect on my blessings. This year we have truly been blessed. We live in a wonderful community in the middle of awe-inspiring scenery. My husband finished engineering school, and I am SO proud of him and all his hard work. Our twins are growing (and pushing my belly out fast) and we get more and more excited every day to have them in our arms when the time comes.
16-week ultrasound of mono-di identical twins
Mechanical engineering graduation, University of Alaska Anchorage
​Also, my first traditionally published book was released last week! Treasures of a Childlike Heart is heartwarming and sure to bring a few chuckles and smiles. I joyfully wrote of my simple childhood days in the country and found a creative way to honor the legacy of my wonderful mom, who is greatly missed. If this appeals to you and you need a good book for cozy winter evenings, visit my book page for more info on how to order a copy!
Treasures of a Childlike Heart memoir; country childhood book with heartwarming stories and photos
​As I’ve been writing this post, I’ve watched the shimmery treetops go from dazzling white to golden to pink, and now the light only remains on the clouds and not on the trees or land. The sun has just set, and we in Anchorage are in the middle of several days of five and a half hours between sunrise to sunset each day. Most Alaskans do not actually live in places that experience days, weeks, or months of the sun not rising. Only villages above the Arctic Circle get that, and the vast majority of the state lives below that latitude.
Frost covering sign, ground, and plants in the setting Anchorage sun
​What I’ve discovered about the “darkness” of winter in Alaska is that it is not as dark as outsiders think. I recognize that I live in the outskirts of a city with much more light than a really rural area, but here’s the amazing thing: the snow makes mornings and evenings so much lighter, even when the sun is down. I was reminded of this when my husband and I visited family in Oregon last year. After we were picked up from the airport, we rode along some country roads, and I couldn’t believe how truly dark my surroundings were! It was as if the boggy green fields were quicksand for light rays. No soft snow covered the trees, roofs, or land; the glowing lights of houses and cars had nothing to reflect on. But in Alaska the light from homes, the moon, or any other source bounces off anything covered with snow. Plus, many families put white or colored lights on the outsides of their homes (not just for Christmas), so I find evenings to actually be rather cheery.
 
From our growing family to yours, we wish you a merry solstice and a joyous Christmas!
White wrapped lights in an Alaska yard at sunset with lens flare
14 Comments
Bonnie
12/22/2015 04:37:21 am

I'm with you, Mary Anne! I love this time of year, in Alaska. The dark, cozy, restorative time of year, has its own beauty. Pastel colors, shadowy textures, created by the sun which hangs low in a southern sky. Ice crystals on really cold days make for a sparkly winter wonderland. Air so cold, your eyelashes freeze! Your pictures are beautiful!

Reply
Mary Anne Brady
12/31/2015 09:09:22 pm

Your descriptions are wonderful! I love your love of Alaska. :)

Reply
Heather
12/22/2015 05:34:44 am

Lovely post for this week :) Merry solstice and happy Christmas to you two!

Reply
Mary Anne Brady
12/31/2015 09:09:53 pm

Thank you for reading, as always, and hope you two had a wonderful week of celebrations!

Reply
Lorraine in Medford
12/22/2015 03:06:40 pm

Love your post. The Rogue Valley has had snow this year and it is beautiful.

Reply
Mary Anne Brady
12/31/2015 09:10:28 pm

I've heard that! It was always so beautiful when it snowed there. Enjoy!

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Abby Goldstein
12/22/2015 08:31:29 pm

Ahhhhh, I do remember that crispness in the nose, the stiff & cold eyelashes, the cozy long johns, the hot pink light bouncing off the mountains at sunrise and sunset and the ice crystals dancing in the air. Such a beautiful time of year. Congrats on your littles , how exciting!

Reply
Mary Anne Brady
12/31/2015 09:15:09 pm

Thank you!! Cannot wait to introduce them to all the wonderful things you mentioned. :)

Reply
Nadezda
12/23/2015 12:32:57 am

Hi, Mary Anne! I'm very glad your family is growing so fast, the next year will bring you and your husband much happiness. The first photo is very pretty, we here had no sun many days.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Reply
Mary Anne Brady
12/31/2015 09:15:45 pm

Thank you, Nadezda! I hope you had a very nice Christmas, and I wish you a beautiful winter!

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Rick J. Musick
12/23/2015 06:48:26 am

Congratulations on all three accounts. Wow! Life is such a glorious adventure. God is amazing and His creations are glorious.
May your Christmas be filled with joy and peace, and I wish you and your family a very prosperous and fulfilling New Year.

Reply
Mary Anne Brady
12/31/2015 09:16:53 pm

Thank you for your encouraging words! May the same be true for you!

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Sarah link
12/24/2015 12:45:42 am

Wishing you and your growing family a very Happy Christmas. Alaska does look so beautiful in the snow and I love reading your tales of living there. Sarah x

Reply
Mary Anne Brady
12/31/2015 09:17:31 pm

It surely is beautiful in the snow! I hope we get more this winter... we've still got several months of winter ahead!

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    I'm a mom of twins, published author, editor, amateur photographer, and nature enthusiast with an unlimited supply of curiosity. Come discover the little wonders I find during my everyday life in Alaska.

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